Eleven sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracted fraction of 95% ethanol extract of fresh Centipeda minima by using modern chromatographic separation techniques such as silica gel, MCI, gel, and semi-preparative liquid chromatography. Their structures were identified using spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) calculation as minimin A(1), brevilin A(2), minimolide L(3), minimolide A(4), minimolide B(5), arnicolide D(6), microhelenin C(7), 2β-hydroxyl-2,3-dihydrogen-6-O-angeloylplenolin(8), 11α,13-dihydroarnifolin(9),(1S,2R,5R,6S,7S,8S,10R)-6-hydroxy-2-ethoxy-4-oxopseudoguai-11(13)-en-12,8-olide(10), and pulchellin-2-O-isovalerate(11), among which compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 9-11 were isolated from Centipeda for the first time. The evaluation results of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity showed that compounds 1-11 possessed significant anti-inflammatory activity, with IC_(50) values ranging from(0.13±0.03) to(13.11±0.17) μmol·L~(-1).
Sesquiterpenes/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Asteraceae/chemistry* ; Mice ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Molecular Structure ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Macrophages/immunology*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of gut microbiota changes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing induction chemotherapy and to explore the relationship between infectious complications and gut microbiota. METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from 37 newly diagnosed AML patients at four time points: before induction chemotherapy, during chemotherapy, during the neutropenic phase, and during the recovery phase. Metagenomic sequencing was used to analyze the dynamic changes in gut microbiota. Correlation analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between changes in gut microbiota and the occurrence of infectious complications. RESULTS: During chemotherapy, the gut microbiota α-diversity (Shannon index) of AML patients exhibited significant fluctuations. Specifically, the diversity decreased significantly during induction chemotherapy, further declined during the neutropenic phase (P < 0.05, compared to baseline), and gradually recovered during the recovery phase, though not fully returning to baseline levels.The abundances of beneficial bacteria, such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, gradually decreased during chemotherapy, whereas the abundances of opportunistic pathogens, including Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Escherichia coli, progressively increased.Analysis of the dynamic changes in gut microbiota of seven patients with bloodstream infections revealed that the bloodstream infection pathogens could be detected in the gut microbiota of the corresponding patients, with their abundance gradually increasing during the course of infection. This finding suggests that bloodstream infections may be associated with opportunistic pathogens originating from the gut microbiota.Compared to non-infected patients, the baseline samples of infected patients showed a significantly lower relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes abundance is an independent predictive factor for infectious complications (P < 0.05, OR =13.143). CONCLUSION During induction chemotherapy in AML patients, gut microbiota α-diversity fluctuates significantly, and the abundance of opportunistic pathogens increase, which may be associated with bloodstream infections. Patients with lower baseline Bacteroidetes abundance are more prone to infections, and its abundance can serve as an independent predictor of infectious complications.
Humans ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/microbiology* ; Induction Chemotherapy ; Feces/microbiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of bortezomib (BTZ) combined with polyphyllin Ⅶ (PP7) on proliferation, apoptosis and oxidative stress of myeloma cell line ARH-77. METHODS: MTT assay was used to detect the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of BTZ, PP7 monotherapy, and their combination on the proliferation of ARH-77 cells. In subsequent experiments, the cells were divided into 4 groups: control group (no drug added), BTZ (15 nmol/L) group, PP7 (1.5 μmol/L) group and BTZ(15 nmol/L)+PP7 (1.5 μmol/L) group. The effects of the two drugs on the morphology of ARH-77 cells were observed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate of the cells in each group. Calcein-AM/PI double staining kit was used to observe the status of the cells and the cell viability were evaluated. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins were detected by Western blot. DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). RESULTS: Both BTZ and PP7 monotherapy, as well as their combination, could inhibit the growth of ARH-77 cells in a dose-dependent manner (r_BTZ=-0.9717, r_PP7=-0.9941, r_BTZ+PP7=-0.9951), and the combination of BTZ and PP7 exhibited a synergistic effect within a certain concentration range. Compared with the BTZ group and PP7 group, the apoptosis rate of the BTZ+PP7 group was significantly increased (P < 0.01), the expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Smac and P53 were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05), the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was significantly downregulated (P < 0.01), and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 was significantly increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the level of ROS in the BTZ, PP7 monotherapy group and BTZ+PP7 group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION BTZ combined with PP7 can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of ARH-77 cells, and increase the level of intracellular ROS.
Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Bortezomib ; Humans ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Multiple Myeloma/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Saponins/pharmacology*

OBJECTIVE: To identify the underlying mechanism by which quercetin (Que) alleviates sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were assigned to sham, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and CLP+Que (50 mg/kg) groups (n=15 per group) by using a random number table. The sepsisrelated ARDS mouse model was established using the CLP method. In vitro, the murine alveolar macrophages (MH-S) cells were classified into control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+Que (10 μmol/L), and LPS+Que+acetylcysteine (NAC, 5 mmol/L) groups. The effect of Que on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in mice lungs and MH-S cells was determined, and the mechanism with reactive oxygen species (ROS)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was also explored both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: Que alleviated lung injury in mice, as reflected by a reversal of pulmonary histopathologic changes as well as a reduction in lung wet/dry weight ratio and neutrophil infiltration (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, Que improved the survival rate and relieved gas exchange impairment in mice (P<0.01). Que treatment also remarkedly reduced malondialdehyde formation, superoxide dismutase and catalase depletion, and cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, Que treatment diminished the release of inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 both in vivo and in vitro (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Mechanistic investigation clarifified that Que administration led to a decline in the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in addition to the suppression of ROS expression (P<0.01). Furthermore, in LPS-induced MH-S cells, ROS inhibitor NAC further inhibited ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, as well as oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell apoptosis on the basis of Que treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION Que was found to exert anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects by suppressing the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway, thereby conferring protection for mice against sepsis-related ARDS.
Animals ; Sepsis/drug therapy* ; Quercetin/therapeutic use* ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome/enzymology* ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Male ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Lung/drug effects* ; Mice ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Macrophages, Alveolar/pathology* ; Inflammation/pathology* ; Protective Agents/therapeutic use*

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) is a specific form of post-translational modification (PTM) predominantly triggered by the activation of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1). However, the role and mechanism of PARylation in the advancement of acute kidney injury (AKI) remain undetermined. Here, we demonstrated the significant upregulation of PARP1 and its associated PARylation in murine models of AKI, consistent with renal biopsy findings in patients with AKI. This elevation in PARP1 expression might be attributed to trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3). Furthermore, a reduction in PARylation levels mitigated renal dysfunction in the AKI mouse models. Mechanistically, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry indicated that PARylation mainly occurred in receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), thereby facilitating its subsequent phosphorylation. Moreover, the phosphorylation of RACK1 enhanced its dimerization and accelerated the ubiquitination-mediated hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) degradation, thereby exacerbating kidney injury. Additionally, we identified a PARP1 proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), A19, as a PARP1 degrader that demonstrated superior protective effects against renal injury compared with PJ34, a previously identified PARP1 inhibitor. Collectively, both genetic and drug-based inhibition of PARylation mitigated kidney injury, indicating that the PARylated RACK1/HIF-1α axis could be a promising therapeutic target for AKI treatment.

To improve the consistency of outcome documentation and address the potential for outcome reporting bias in clinical trials involving integrative Chinese and Western medicine (ICWM) for ulcerative colitis (UC), we aim to develop a customized core outcome set (COS) that incorporates input from various stakeholders. The study design of this COS has been informed by the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative Handbook, with adherence to the guidelines from the Core Outcome Set-STAndards for Reporting statement and Core Outcome Set-STAndardised Protocol Items recommendations. Five groups of stakeholders will be invited to participate in the development of COS for clinical trials with ICWM for UC, including healthcare professionals, patients, COS developers, COS users, and methodologists. The process will involve five stages: (1) conducting a systematic review of outcomes reported in clinical trials and protocols to develop a list of potential outcome domains; (2) conducting semi-structured interviews to obtain important outcomes; (3) choosing the most important outcomes by conducting three-round Delphi surveys; (4) achieving a consensus in a face-to-face meeting to discuss the final COS; and (5) publication, dissemination and implementation of COS. Consequently, this specialized COS will be applicable to clinical trials involving both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and ICWM interventions. Please cite this article as: Zhang X, Zhang L, Wang J, Lau CT, Wang N, Zhang X, Wang P, Li J, Han F, Bian Z. A protocol for developing, disseminating and implementing a core outcome set for clinical trials of integrative Chinese and Western medicine for ulcerative colitis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):654-659.
Colitis, Ulcerative/therapy* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; Integrative Medicine ; Research Design ; Outcome Assessment, Health Care ; Delphi Technique

Based on the literature study,the thoughts and possible therapeutic mechanism in treating male infertility from the perspective of spleen and kidney by regulating intestinal flora were explored.Disturbance of intestinal flora is one of the important factors leading to the development of male infertility,and the spleen and kidney have certain similarities to intestinal flora in the physiological function and pathological changes.Moreover,tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen can regulate the intestinal flora by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria,inhibiting the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria,and protecting the barrier of the intestinal mucosa.Therefore,the possible therapeutic mechanisms in treating male infertility with the prescriptions for tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen to regulate intestinal flora are as follows:inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors to reduce the inflammatory reaction of testicular tissues;improving the antioxidant capacity to alleviate the damage of spermatozoa caused by oxidative stress,and improving the bad mood to alleviate the impact of psychological stress on the reproductive system.The exploration of the thoughts for treating male infertility from the perspective of spleen and kidney by regulating intestinal flora may provide a new entry point for modern Chinese medicine clinical treatment of male infertility.

AIM To investigate the effect of Wendan Decoction on nerve injury in a mouse model of sleep disorders and its mechanism.METHODS A mouse model of insomnia was established by the modified multiple platform sleep deprivation method.After successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into the model group,the estazolam tablet group(0.15 mg/kg)and the low-dose and high-dose Wendan Decoction groups(12.5,50 g/kg),with 6 mice in each group,in contrast to the 6 mice of the control group.After 7 days of drug intervention,the mice had their changes of cerebral cortex,hippocampal CA1 area and hypothalamus observed by HE staining;their neuronal damage observed by Nissl staining;their levels of neurofilament light chain(NEFL),neuron-specific enolase(NSE),S100 calcium-binding protein B(S100B),tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)in brain tissue and serum detected by ELISA;their cerebral expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)detected by immunohistochemical method;and their cerebral expressions of GFAP,phosphorylated IκB kinase β(p-IKKβ)and phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB(p-NF-κB)detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose Wendan Decoction group displayed increased number of neurons,complete and neatly arranged structure;decreased number of neurons with nuclear shrinkage and deformation;increased Nissl bodies,decreased levels of NEFL,NSE,S100B,TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in serum and brain tissue(P＜0.01);decreased cerebral expression of GFAP(P＜0.01);and decreased phosphorylation levels of cerebral p-IKKβ and p-NF-κB(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Wendan Decoction can reduce the nerve damage and the expression of proinflammatory mediator in sleep disorders mice,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibited activation of IKKβ/NF-κB pathway.